Rukuna Rath Procession Disrupted by Heavy Rainfall in Bhubaneswar
The annual Rukuna Rath procession in Bhubaneswar faced an unexpected interruption on Thursday when the chariot of Lord Lingaraj deviated from its path during heavy rainfall. The incident occurred as the chariot was being pulled from the historic 11th-century Lingaraj temple to Mausima Ghara in the Rameswar temple, a key part of the Ashokastami festival celebrations.
Thousands Gather for Ashokastami Festival
Despite adverse weather conditions, thousands of devotees assembled at the Lingaraj temple in Old Town to participate in pulling the 35-foot-high Rukuna Rath. This traditional event involves the transportation of three deities—Lord Chandrasekhar, the presiding deity of Lingaraj temple, along with Rukmini and Basudev—to the Rameswar temple, where they rest for four days before returning.
The day's rituals commenced early with 'mangala alati' at 5 am, but were delayed by approximately 30 minutes prior to the chariot pulling, which eventually started around 3.30 pm. However, by 5 pm, the procession was impacted by strong winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall, leading to the chariot veering off course.
Chariot Veers and Climbs Over Drain
According to local resident Dhirendra Biswal, devotees continued to pull the chariot despite the rain, causing it to move towards the corner of the road and climb over a drain instead of remaining in the middle. The presence of vehicles on both sides of the road further contributed to the incident. Minor damages were reported, including nameplates of several shops and an electric pole.
The chariot came to a halt at Badheibanka Chhaka, and after about 45 minutes, devotees resumed pulling. However, the procession had to be stopped again near Tinimundia Chhaka due to sunset. Servitors announced that the chariot will continue its journey towards the Rameswar temple at 2 pm on Friday.
Earlier Incident: Servitor Injured
Earlier in the day, a Bhoi servitor of the Lingaraj temple, Jatia Bhoi, sustained head injuries after falling from the Rukuna Rath while tying charamala (sacred ropes). He was promptly admitted to the BMC hospital, where his condition is now reported as stable.
The Ashokastami festival is a significant cultural and religious event in Odisha, drawing large crowds each year. This year's challenges highlight the dedication of devotees and the unpredictable nature of outdoor rituals during monsoon seasons.
